From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna
Northern Muslim youths; Ansar-Ud-Deen Youths Association of Nigeria (ADYAN), have advised Nigerian youths not to sell their conscience and allow themselves to be used as political thugs by the politicians no matter how highly placed.
The group gave the charge while speaking to journalists after a peace rally in Minna to sensitize the Nigerian youths on the dangers of involving themselves in any form of political violence.
They advised that rather than being used as instruments for political violence, they should be prepared to take active part in politics, especially with the signing into law, the #NotTooYoungtoRun Bill by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Drawn from all the 19 states in the north, the Northern Muslim Youths however gathered in Minna, the Niger state capital as part of the activities to mark this year’s International Youth Day celebration.
The Chairman, Asar-Ud-Deen Youth Association of Nigeria, Northern state Council, Bashir Omipidan, said what Nigerian youths needed was safe spaces where they can come together, engage in activities that are related to their diverse needs and interest, and participate in decision making process.
Omipidan who spoke extensively on the theme of this year international youth celebration titled “safe spaces for youth”, pointed out that “when youth have safe paces to engage, they can effectively contribute to development, including peace and social cohesion”.
Accordingly to him, “as more and more youths grow in a technologically connected world, they aspire to engage deeper in political, civic and social matters and the availability and accessibility of safe spaces becomes even more crucial to make this a reality”.
He further called on the Nigerian youths to play safe whether in politics, religion or community services, stressing that “youths must strive to avoid being used by politicians or anybody to cause trouble anywhere”.
